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What Is The Meddeas Program? Everything You Need To Know Before Applying
Last Updated
July 23, 2026
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Live and teach on Meddeas
- Eligibility requirements
- Application process
- Meddeas vs NALCAP
- Accreditation and deposits
- Is the Meddeas for you?
Ever thought about teaching English in Spain but unsure whether the Meddeas program is the right path for you? Meddeas is one of the most famous language assistant programmes in Europe, offering graduates the chance to work in Spain as teaching assistants whilst gaining international experience.
The Meddeas program is open to native English, French, and German speakers. You will work alongside main teachers to provide support and cultural exchange through teaching English, French, or German.
Placements take place from September, October, or January to May or mid-June. Teaching contracts can be 6, 8 or 9 months.
Language Assistants teach in either private or charter schools. Charter schools, also known as centro concertados, are schools that are part private and part government-funded, and there are teaching opportunities across the whole country.
Teachers teach 20 – 24 hours a week and are given a monthly stipend. The program also funds an ESL Graduate Course through a Spanish University, which is compulsory.
Read more: What Is An Assistant Language Teacher In Spain?
The Meddeas program serves to give aspiring TEFL teachers supportive work experience, so you won’t be leading classes and working like a full-time teacher. Rather, your role is to provide conversation-based group lessons, assist the main teacher, and help out the language department when needed.
The Meddeas program is a highly supported way to get experience teaching in Spain. You are given guidance before your departure, on your arrival, and throughout your stay!
While there is no application fee, a refundable deposit of €850 is required if you are a successful candidate to show that you’re committed to fulfilling the contract. Deposits will be returned on completion of your contract.
The two ways to live and teach on the Meddeas Program
There are two options for living arrangements on the Meddeas Program: independent housing and living with a host family.
You will receive your full stipend (up to €1,200) if you choose independent housing, and part of your stipend if you choose to live with a host family.
Note: Keep in mind that cities like Madrid and Barcelona are very pricey, and you may need to use some of your own savings to pay for accommodation if you choose to live independently.
Read more: What Is The Cost Of Living In Spain?
Independent housing
Choose this option if you:
✔️ Prefer to live more independently, be it alone or with a flatmate.
✔️ Are comfortable doing an apartment search.
✔️ Don’t mind handling the rental admin that comes with it (including an upfront rental deposit).
Does Meddeas provide some help?
Yes, you won’t be left in the lurch. Meddeas offers the following assistance:
✅ They give you guidance on how to find your own apartment, but you will ultimately be responsible for finding your own accommodation.
✅They assist in linking you up with a fellow LA if you wish to find someone to flat-share with, which is quite common due to the high cost of accommodation.
Read more: How To Find Affordable Housing In Spain
Host family
Living with a host family is an amazing option for those who want to live the life of a Spaniard.
Choose to live with a host family in Spain if:
✔️ You would like to live in a family setting.
✔️ You want a fully immersive Spanish experience.
✔️ You are genuinely happy being an active part of the family for the entirety of your stay.
Some conditions of living with a host family:
➡️ Scheduled time with the family for 6 hours a week
➡️ 50% of that time speaking your native language
➡️ 11 pm curfew Sun – Thursday
➡️ They pick you up from the airport when you arrive
Read more: What It’s Really Like Living With A Host Family In Spain
What are the eligibility requirements for the Meddeas program?
Let’s take a look at what is required for you to be eligible to teach in Spain with the Meddeas program.
The selection process is quite competitive, so your application needs to stand out amongst others. Having some teaching experience or being able to speak some Spanish could make you stand out from the crowd, but it’s not a requirement. At the same time, some fluency in Spanish could mean you are placed in areas where this would help your communication with staff.
Native-level fluency requirements
Applications are only open to native English, French or German speakers from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and any European country.
French and German speakers must have a B2 level of English in order to complete the ESL Graduate Course.
Do you need a university degree?
Yes, to be eligible to apply for the Meddeas program, you need to have graduated from university within the past four years.
So, if you have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject or hold a Postgraduate Degree in Education or Linguistics, you’re good to go!
The Co-op program
Alternatively, if you haven’t completed your degree yet and are able to obtain university credits through an internship program, you might be eligible for the Co-op program.
The Meddeas Co-op program is the same as the Meddeas Language Assistant program, but you complete a 120-hour online TEFL course rather than the ESL Graduate Course.
The Co-op program is only open to Canadian and European passport holders.
Do you need a clean criminal record?
Yes, you need to have a clean criminal record.
Do you need to speak Spanish?
No, you do not need to have any Spanish proficiency to apply to the Meddeas program.
That being said, you’ll enjoy a more immersive experience in Spain if you can speak some Spanish.
What is the application process for Meddeas?
The application process for Meddeas is straightforward:
- Apply through the online application form on the official Meddeas website.
- Attend an online interview.
- Attend a second online interview.
If you’re successful in these three steps, you’ll receive an offer. Once you sign the agreement and pay the deposit, you can apply for a visa (if necessary) and travel to Spain for your on-site induction before you start teaching.
Meddeas vs NALCAP
While Meddeas is a program run by a private organisation, you might have also heard of NALCAP, a similar government-run program. Let’s look at the differences between the two programs.
Read more: What Is NALCAP?
Support
The Meddeas program provides structured support, with responsive co-ordinators. Support is provided from the moment you get accepted into the program. You will be guided through the visa process and have access to a dedicated support team when in Spain, as well as a tutor at your school.
NALCAP, which is Spain’s government-led teaching program, does not offer application or in-country support. What’s more, placement and payment delays are common.
Placement
Both the Meddeas program and NALCAP require applicants to be flexible with where they are placed.
With the Meddeas program, you do not have a choice in where you get placed. The HR team places you based on your profile and school availability. They try to match an assistant and a school in a way that benefits both the most.
NALCAP applications let you list three preferred regions and a city, town or village. These are preferences that may or may not be accommodated, but are taken into account.
Hours
The Meddeas program requires 20-24 hours of in-class teaching a week. Additional time is spent completing your online TEFL course, which is mandatory.
NALCAP offers fewer working hours, with 14-16 hours of teaching a week. However, some assistants on NALCAP have found themselves working longer hours.
Reliability
The Meddeas program wins in this race. Meddeas alumni report that the program is reliable in terms of getting placed timeously, admin processes are easier, and support is provided during the application process as well as during their stay.
NALCAP is known for having delayed placements and slow communication.
It is important to note that many language assistants in Spain, irrespective of the program they are in, experience delays in their first stipend payout due to administrative/paperwork procedures.
Accreditation and deposit realities
One of the perks of the Meddeas program is the fully funded Graduate ESL Course. The course is internationally recognised, with 360 hours of combined theory and practice.
A €850 deposit is required once you are accepted into the program as a show of good faith. It shows your commitment to seeing the program through to its end.
If you leave the program before it ends, your deposit will not be refunded to you, and your visa will be cancelled. Once your contract has been completed, you will be refunded your deposit.
Is the Meddeas program right for you?
The Meddeas program best suits recent graduates who are looking to have a supported introduction into teaching in a foreign classroom, who perhaps don’t yet have a TEFL qualification.
It’s ideal for graduates who would like to develop key skills for their future careers through international experience while experiencing Spanish culture.
| Good fit | Probably not a good fit for |
| Recent graduates | Experienced TEFL teacher looking for a full-time teaching role |
| Wants structured support | Wants complete freedom to choose locations |
| Comfortable assisting rather than leading classes | Looking for complete classroom control |
| Interested in cultural exchange | Primarily motivated by large salaries |
Author Bio
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Live and teach on Meddeas
- Eligibility requirements
- Application process
- Meddeas vs NALCAP
- Accreditation and deposits
- Is the Meddeas for you?
Ever thought about teaching English in Spain but unsure whether the Meddeas program is the right path for you? Meddeas is one of the most famous language assistant programmes in Europe, offering graduates the chance to work in Spain as teaching assistants whilst gaining international experience.
The Meddeas program is open to native English, French, and German speakers. You will work alongside main teachers to provide support and cultural exchange through teaching English, French, or German.
Placements take place from September, October, or January to May or mid-June. Teaching contracts can be 6, 8 or 9 months.
Language Assistants teach in either private or charter schools. Charter schools, also known as centro concertados, are schools that are part private and part government-funded, and there are teaching opportunities across the whole country.
Teachers teach 20 – 24 hours a week and are given a monthly stipend. The program also funds an ESL Graduate Course through a Spanish University, which is compulsory.
Read more: What Is An Assistant Language Teacher In Spain?
The Meddeas program serves to give aspiring TEFL teachers supportive work experience, so you won’t be leading classes and working like a full-time teacher. Rather, your role is to provide conversation-based group lessons, assist the main teacher, and help out the language department when needed.
The Meddeas program is a highly supported way to get experience teaching in Spain. You are given guidance before your departure, on your arrival, and throughout your stay!
While there is no application fee, a refundable deposit of €850 is required if you are a successful candidate to show that you’re committed to fulfilling the contract. Deposits will be returned on completion of your contract.
The two ways to live and teach on the Meddeas Program
There are two options for living arrangements on the Meddeas Program: independent housing and living with a host family.
You will receive your full stipend (up to €1,200) if you choose independent housing, and part of your stipend if you choose to live with a host family.
Note: Keep in mind that cities like Madrid and Barcelona are very pricey, and you may need to use some of your own savings to pay for accommodation if you choose to live independently.
Read more: What Is The Cost Of Living In Spain?
Independent housing
Choose this option if you:
✔️ Prefer to live more independently, be it alone or with a flatmate.
✔️ Are comfortable doing an apartment search.
✔️ Don’t mind handling the rental admin that comes with it (including an upfront rental deposit).
Does Meddeas provide some help?
Yes, you won’t be left in the lurch. Meddeas offers the following assistance:
✅ They give you guidance on how to find your own apartment, but you will ultimately be responsible for finding your own accommodation.
✅They assist in linking you up with a fellow LA if you wish to find someone to flat-share with, which is quite common due to the high cost of accommodation.
Read more: How To Find Affordable Housing In Spain
Host family
Living with a host family is an amazing option for those who want to live the life of a Spaniard.
Choose to live with a host family in Spain if:
✔️ You would like to live in a family setting.
✔️ You want a fully immersive Spanish experience.
✔️ You are genuinely happy being an active part of the family for the entirety of your stay.
Some conditions of living with a host family:
➡️ Scheduled time with the family for 6 hours a week
➡️ 50% of that time speaking your native language
➡️ 11 pm curfew Sun – Thursday
➡️ They pick you up from the airport when you arrive
Read more: What It’s Really Like Living With A Host Family In Spain
What are the eligibility requirements for the Meddeas program?
Let’s take a look at what is required for you to be eligible to teach in Spain with the Meddeas program.
The selection process is quite competitive, so your application needs to stand out amongst others. Having some teaching experience or being able to speak some Spanish could make you stand out from the crowd, but it’s not a requirement. At the same time, some fluency in Spanish could mean you are placed in areas where this would help your communication with staff.
Native-level fluency requirements
Applications are only open to native English, French or German speakers from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and any European country.
French and German speakers must have a B2 level of English in order to complete the ESL Graduate Course.
Do you need a university degree?
Yes, to be eligible to apply for the Meddeas program, you need to have graduated from university within the past four years.
So, if you have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject or hold a Postgraduate Degree in Education or Linguistics, you’re good to go!
The Co-op program
Alternatively, if you haven’t completed your degree yet and are able to obtain university credits through an internship program, you might be eligible for the Co-op program.
The Meddeas Co-op program is the same as the Meddeas Language Assistant program, but you complete a 120-hour online TEFL course rather than the ESL Graduate Course.
The Co-op program is only open to Canadian and European passport holders.
Do you need a clean criminal record?
Yes, you need to have a clean criminal record.
Do you need to speak Spanish?
No, you do not need to have any Spanish proficiency to apply to the Meddeas program.
That being said, you’ll enjoy a more immersive experience in Spain if you can speak some Spanish.
What is the application process for Meddeas?
The application process for Meddeas is straightforward:
- Apply through the online application form on the official Meddeas website.
- Attend an online interview.
- Attend a second online interview.
If you’re successful in these three steps, you’ll receive an offer. Once you sign the agreement and pay the deposit, you can apply for a visa (if necessary) and travel to Spain for your on-site induction before you start teaching.
Meddeas vs NALCAP
While Meddeas is a program run by a private organisation, you might have also heard of NALCAP, a similar government-run program. Let’s look at the differences between the two programs.
Read more: What Is NALCAP?
Support
The Meddeas program provides structured support, with responsive co-ordinators. Support is provided from the moment you get accepted into the program. You will be guided through the visa process and have access to a dedicated support team when in Spain, as well as a tutor at your school.
NALCAP, which is Spain’s government-led teaching program, does not offer application or in-country support. What’s more, placement and payment delays are common.
Placement
Both the Meddeas program and NALCAP require applicants to be flexible with where they are placed.
With the Meddeas program, you do not have a choice in where you get placed. The HR team places you based on your profile and school availability. They try to match an assistant and a school in a way that benefits both the most.
NALCAP applications let you list three preferred regions and a city, town or village. These are preferences that may or may not be accommodated, but are taken into account.
Hours
The Meddeas program requires 20-24 hours of in-class teaching a week. Additional time is spent completing your online TEFL course, which is mandatory.
NALCAP offers fewer working hours, with 14-16 hours of teaching a week. However, some assistants on NALCAP have found themselves working longer hours.
Reliability
The Meddeas program wins in this race. Meddeas alumni report that the program is reliable in terms of getting placed timeously, admin processes are easier, and support is provided during the application process as well as during their stay.
NALCAP is known for having delayed placements and slow communication.
It is important to note that many language assistants in Spain, irrespective of the program they are in, experience delays in their first stipend payout due to administrative/paperwork procedures.
Accreditation and deposit realities
One of the perks of the Meddeas program is the fully funded Graduate ESL Course. The course is internationally recognised, with 360 hours of combined theory and practice.
A €850 deposit is required once you are accepted into the program as a show of good faith. It shows your commitment to seeing the program through to its end.
If you leave the program before it ends, your deposit will not be refunded to you, and your visa will be cancelled. Once your contract has been completed, you will be refunded your deposit.
Is the Meddeas program right for you?
The Meddeas program best suits recent graduates who are looking to have a supported introduction into teaching in a foreign classroom, who perhaps don’t yet have a TEFL qualification.
It’s ideal for graduates who would like to develop key skills for their future careers through international experience while experiencing Spanish culture.
| Good fit | Probably not a good fit for |
| Recent graduates | Experienced TEFL teacher looking for a full-time teaching role |
| Wants structured support | Wants complete freedom to choose locations |
| Comfortable assisting rather than leading classes | Looking for complete classroom control |
| Interested in cultural exchange | Primarily motivated by large salaries |
Author Bio
